Most women know the symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, fatigue and mood swings, but do you ever think about how these natural symptoms actually impact your life day-to-day? Hot flashes can create an uncomfortable work environment — If you are too hot or cold you may not be able to focus on the tasks in front of you. Mood swings and fatigue can affect your relationships with friends and family. Being self-aware of how your body is feeling, when you need to rest and how to communicate your internal state becomes more important than ever. Did you know, that you also may need to slow down and be more careful with vigorous activities due to the increased risk for osteoporosis that can occur during menopause? These are all things women must start to think about when this hormonal transition occurs.
Osteoporosis – a Silent Disease
Osteoporosis, a bone disease resulting in low bone density, which can make bones weak or brittle, often develops over time with no symptoms. According to, International Osteoporosis Foundation, women usually do not know they have the disease until a break or fracture happens.
Why Is Osteoporosis More Common In Women?
When women begin menopause, estrogen production is decreased, which can negatively impact bone growth. Here are some staggering statistics about the prevalence of osteoporosis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation:
- An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, about 8 million or 80%, are women.
- 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
- A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
How Can You Prevent Osteoporosis?
It used to be thought that nothing could be done about osteoporosis, and it was just a part of getting older. The good news is, this is not true. Osteoporosis is preventable, detectable and treatable, and it’s never too early to start the conversation about your bone health. Some of the best practices for preventing osteoporosis from occurring are:
- Making sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D daily.
- Maintaining a balanced diet.
- Exercising on a regular basis to help build your bone density. Avoiding smoking and drinking.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of menopause, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help by replacing lost #hormones. To learn more, call 📞 us at 816-214-5276 or visit https://bit.ly/2P2Wse0.